Audi has unveiled its most efficient version of the A3 ever at the Frankfurt motor show – but there’s no confirmation yet on whether or not the model will be sold in the UK.

Called the Audi A3 Ultra, the model uses a 108bhp 1.6 TDI engine for impressive claimed combined economy of 88.3mpg and CO2 emissions rated at 85g/km. The A3 Ultra is effectively Audi’s version of the Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion.

An Audi spokesman told Autocar that the model would not be sold in the UK in its present specification as the standard equipment levels – including steel wheels – of the model fell below the standard Audi presently offers in the UK.

However, should the model be homologated on different wheels more in line with what Audi UK currently offers, then the model would be sold here, even if the CO2 emissions figure was increased slightly.

Ultra is the name Audi has given its lightweight construction programme, but its appearance on a model indicates it could be used as a catch-all term for its fuel-saving technologies in showrooms.

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"An Audi spokesman told Autocar that the model would not be sold in the UK in its present specification as the standard equipment levels – including steel wheels – of the model fell below the standard Audi presently offers in the UK" ... "The A3 Ultra is effectively Audi’s version of the Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion." ... QED, I would say ...

"An Audi spokesman told Autocar that the model would not be sold in the UK in its present specification as the standard equipment levels – including steel wheels – of the model fell below the standard Audi presently offers in the UK" ... "The A3 Ultra is effectively Audi’s version of the Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion." ... QED, I would say ...

Perhaps someone with more technical know-how than me can explain. I was always under the impression alloy wheels were lighter than steel? So if they're lighter, won't that be beneficial to Co2 and economy figures? Seems strange to then use steels to max. economy and environment figures.

" I was always under the impression alloy wheels were lighter than steel? So if they're lighter, won't that be beneficial to Co2 and economy figures? Seems strange to then use steels to max. economy and environment figures.

Yes, alloy wheels are lighter, but they don't have the same strength as steel, so they need to be wider to distribute the load over a greater area. Wider wheels = more drag = higher CO2 and fuel consumption. The weight saving is virtually insignificant.

Yes, alloy wheels are lighter, but they don't have the same strength as steel, so they need to be wider to distribute the load over a greater area. Wider wheels = more drag = higher CO2 and fuel consumption. The weight saving is virtually insignificant.

Clearly you know nothing about modern, high strength, aluminium alloys.